It is the otter species with the widest distribution, being spread widely across Europe. European Otter – Lutra lutra Description. Sea otters are a keystone species, meaning their role in their environment has a greater effect than other species. Otters are part of the Mustelid family of animals which also includes badgers, pine martens and weasels. Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. Since then, the population has […] Status: Near Threatened … Otter cubs only open their eyes about five weeks after they are born. On the other hand they weight around 11 kilograms. The European otter, a semi-aquatic species, lives along coasts and in a wide variety of freshwater habitats. Find out more The sea otter is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, pressured by pollution, pesticides, and conflicts with fishermen who kill them for eating their fish. Why are Sea Otters Endangered? There are 13 species of otter around the world and many of them are endangered. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is classed as “Critically Endangered” in Asia and declining. Main Characteristics of the Eurasian Otters ☑️. The white is also there under the face and down to the belly. The trade of sea otters was continued until the animals were virtually wiped out. Amazing Facts About the Otter. You will notice that … It is a European branch of the weasel or Mustelidae family. This species is also found in Europe and north Africa, but is under severe threat in Asia, which is 80% of the geographical range. As for their size, the Eurasian otters reach up to 69 centimeters in length, of which about 42 centimeters correspond to their tail. IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group Leading global otter conservation since 1974 The Otter Specialist Group (OSG) is part of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Eurasian otters have an elongated body, supported with small and short legs. As top predators, sea otters are critical to maintaining the balance of nearshore ecosystems, such as kelp forests, embayments and estuaries. The European Otter is one what has a distinct look to it. Berlin researchers are tracking down some of Germany's last Eurasian otters in the eastern state of Mecklenburg Western-Pomerania. The aims of the Group, as set out by IUCN, are to: 1. Their skull is elongated and their snout crushed. They hope to find ways to save this endangered species. While it does have the brownish color of coat, it also features white along the length of it. The Eurasian or European beaver was once widespread in Great Britain and Europe but was hunted across its range for its fur and for its musk scented secretions, called castoreum. Provide leadership for the conservation of all otter species (Lutrinae). It was extinct in Britain by the 16th century and the Eurasian population was just 1 200 individuals in 1900. Type: Mammal Location: One of the widest distributions of a UK mammal species, the Eurasian Otter is found throughout Europe, eastern Russia and China, south and south east Asia and north Africa. Almost 60,000 sea otters were killed by the Americans for the sake of getting fur during the three-year period (1804 – 1807) while another 50,000 furs were taken between 1808 and 1812. The European or Eurasian otter is often referred to as the common otter.